BRITAIN is set to refuse to hand over evidence of Saddam Hussein’s atrocities to Iraqi prosecutors because of opposition to the death penalty faced
by the deposed dictator.

Scotland on Sunday has learned that squeamishness in government circles about the likely fate awaiting Saddam is one of the factors complicating
his long-awaited prosecution.

An opinion poll last week revealed that four out of five Iraqis believe Saddam was guilty of murdering and torturing civilians, and more than 60%
believe he should face the death penalty.

But the Foreign Office has confirmed that the Iraqi’s continuing determination to mete out the ultimate punishment on Saddam has thrown into doubt
Britain’s participation in the tribunal that will decide his fate.

The fact that the majority of Iraqi's believe he should face the death penalty apparently means nothing to the UK. Should the UK park their own laws
at the door when it comes to the most important trial in Iraqi history?

The fact that the majority of Iraqi's believe he should face the death penalty apparently means nothing to the UK. Should the UK park their own laws
at the door when it comes to the most important trial in Iraqi history?

Since when did people start worrying about what the majority of Iraqis want? Oh, yes, June 30th, how silly of me. Since the Brits were really the only
country who had our backs through all of this, and since Blair put his butt on the line for Bush, I think we owe them to let them have a say on Iraqi
matters. Me personally? I don't see how us kicking Saddam out, putting him on trial, then killing him, is really going to win hearts and minds. Put
him in a prison and let him get old. I don't think we need people wearing t-shirts saying "Remember Saddam!"

The Iraqi people will decided Saddam's fate, as they rightly should.
Whether the UK or the US or anyone else's gives their own evidences, the Iraqis were excellent record keepers and have their OWN records to judge and
sentence Saddam.

Originally posted by rustiswordz
Most ordinary UK members of Britain's Joe P. Ublic would like to see a 'Berg' done on Saddam.

Really, rustiswordz? I would hope that "most ordinary" Britons would be above condoning that kind of disgusting act. I know I would. There are a
lot of Americans and other nationalities on this board, so please be more circumspect when you're signing the British public up for something - not
everyone will realise you're in a minority.

At the risk of opening the floodgates, we're supposed to be the civilised world. Surely we're beyond capital punishment by now - and if we're not,
we damn well should be.

We don't need to provide evidence, they have enough in Iraq.
As to the death penalty, it was stopped in this country because its a barbaric ( and often stupid ) way to treat your criminals.
It is, quite simply, against the law.

That prevents us from supporting any trial that may result in the death of the suspect.

You may think it is a non-issue, but it would appear that the UK has some influence in the trial, in the form of evidence and witnesses that would be
used in the trial.
From the original article:

"Either we produce our evidence in the full expectation that it will help condemn someone to the death penalty," one said, "or we sit it out
altogether - and it is obvious how badly that would go down."

and this:

British officials last night confirmed that the stalemate could veto any handover of British intelligence reports and other information, and
prevent any government staff from standing as witnesses against Saddam.

If the Brits had evidence that could help convict a thief, and the Iraqi penalty for theft was to cut off the hand of the thief, should the UK
withhold it's evidence?

And to Simon:

As to the death penalty, it was stopped in this country because its a barbaric ( and often stupid ) way to treat your criminals.

Why the hell is everything liberal or conservative with you people. It is not a "liberal" view its my view. We still have those. And the fact that
its not universally held ? who cares. I've seen polls indicating Britain's want the death penalty, I've seen polls indicating they don't, Its
certainly not been a big enough issue to stop people voting for the government on it and it certainly IS barbaric.

As to it being a non issue whether we give evidence or not, its really simple.

In the UK we don't support the death penalty.
The Iraqi's have plenty of evidence to sentence him to death without ours.

Regardless of whether we give evidence or don't he will get the death penalty. So what is the point in overthrowing our political stance on providing
supporting evidence to countries that maintain the death penalty when ultimately it won't effect the outcome ?

Originally posted by rustiswordz
i think you place FAR too much 'faith' in human 'civilisation'

I couldn't disagree more. The barbaric, vocal minority may carry the tabloid headlines, but I believe that every person has a spark of good - a
human capacity for charity, compassion and consideration - inside them. Most people don't let it out, in the same way that most people don't
exercise their intellect and most people (in the UK at least) will be drooling in front of Big Brother 5 this coming Friday night.

I couldn't disagree more. The barbaric, vocal minority may carry the tabloid headlines, but I believe that every person has a spark of good - a human
capacity for charity, compassion and consideration - inside them. Most people don't let it out, in the same way that most people don't exercise
their intellect and most people (in the UK at least) will be drooling in front of Big Brother 5 this coming Friday night.

I hate to generalise here but why is it that the posts from this side of the atlantic are always a little more controlled?

Originally posted by Oisin
I hate to generalise here but why is it that the posts from this side of the atlantic are always a little more controlled?

Because, my very dear Sir, we're always frightfully afraid of offending anyone, don't you know? I myself labour daily to remain in good sorts
and cultivate a cheery demeanour. Indeed, I recommend we all Prepare For The Charmed Revolution!

I can't say I've noticed an Atlantic factor in the restraint displayed in posts - nutters seem to be universal!

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